Describe the process of atherosclerosis and discuss two possible complications for the affected individual. What will be an ideal response?
Concepts to consider: LDLs enter the inner layer of arteries and are phagocytized by
macrophages which then become foam cells. The foam cells lead to the development of fatty
streaks in the arterial walls. Smooth muscle fibers and connective tissue fibers migrate to the
inner lining of the wall, along with white blood cells which produce substances that cause
chronic inflammation of the wall. The buildup of these various cells and substances form the
atherosclerotic plaque, which reduces the diameter of the artery and may eventually block it
completely. The plaque also causes the walls to lose their ability to stretch.
As a consequence, tissues downstream from the plaque receive less blood and consequently
less oxygen and nutrients. This may cause angina pectoris (chest pains) or even a myocardial
infarction (heart attack). If a portion of the plaque breaks open, platelets may adhere and
produce a clot, or thrombus. In the heart this can lead to cardiac arrest. In the brain this can
lead to a stroke.
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Design a complete ecosystem that would sustain a number of living organisms for several years in a
sealed container. The only thing that can be added is sunlight. Explain why you have selected each organism. What will be an ideal response?
J. R. R. Tolkien is a famous author who wrote, among others, several books about the adventures of a community of a humanoid (meaning resembling a human) race
The individuals of this race are described by Tolkien as being "…between 2 and 4 feet (0.61-1.22 m) tall, the average height being 3 feet 6 inches (1.07 m) … a fairly human figure." This general description characterizes the humanoids mostly closely resembling ________. A) Homo sapiens B) Homo floresiensis C) mandrills D) lemurs
The sharp, inch-long thorns of the crown-of-thorns sea star are its spines. These spines, unlike those of most other sea stars, contain a potent toxin
If it were discovered that crown-of-thorns sea stars do not make this toxin themselves, then the most likely alternative would be that this toxin is _____. A) derived from the nematocysts of its prey B) absorbed from the surrounding seawater C) an endotoxin of cellulose-digesting bacteria that inhabit the sea star's digestive glands D) injected into individual thorns by mutualistic corals which live on the aboral surfaces of these sea stars
All of Earth that is inhabited by life is called the
A) atmosphere. B) ecosystem. C) biosphere. D) biome.